USS Gabrielle Giffords to be christened Saturday

Top Navy officials will christen the 10th littoral combat ship the USS Gabrielle Giffords on Saturday, the Pentagon said in a statement.

Second lady Jill Biden, the ship's sponsor, will be on hand to smash the bottle of sparkling wine across the ship's bow during the ceremony at Austal USA Shipyard, Mobile, Ala.

The ship's namesake is a former Arizona Democratic congresswoman who survived a gunshot wound to the head during an assassination attempt in 2011.

"The christening of the future USS Gabrielle Giffords marks the beginning of what is certain to be a long life for this great ship," said Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, whose job includes determining the names of Navy ships. "It is also a celebration of the skill and dedication of the men and women who have built LCS 10 and the courage of her namesake. This ship truly embodies the Navy motto of Semper Fortis — always courageous."